Where to Eat and Celebrate July 4th in Chicago

Independence Day is approaching, and Chicago, as always, is preparing for a grand celebration with spectacular fireworks over Lake Michigan. If you're looking for the perfect place to celebrate July 4th – with stunning views, delicious food, and your own evening plan – we've prepared eight verified and current options. From luxurious rooftops to cozy establishments by the river, from historic pizzerias to picnic areas in parks – choose your ideal way to welcome America's main summer holiday.

Offshore Rooftop is the world's largest rooftop bar, located on Navy Pier in Chicago. The bar features an open space of over 20,000 square feet, with views of Lake Michigan and downtown. It has several relaxation zones, bars, and dance floors, making it a popular venue for large parties and events. The establishment operates primarily during warm weather and specializes in cocktails and light snacks.

July 4th
This year Offshore Rooftop is hosting a SummerBash event from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Admission is $20, which includes access to music, dancing, and festive American flag-style cocktails (red, white, blue). The program is for adults (21+). There are no official July 4th fireworks at Navy Pier, but the atmosphere is festive, with large crowds and themed drinks. The bar offers classic snacks like Fish Tacos and Truffle Fries.

What to Order:

Fish Tacos — fish tacos with vegetables and sauce, light summer snack
Truffle Fries — french fries with truffle oil, popular dish for groups
House Burger — classic burger with juicy patty
Red, White & Blue Cocktails — signature cocktails with bright patriotic presentation

Joe's Seafood is a restaurant in downtown Chicago, known for its steaks, seafood, and stone crab. Founded in Florida, it opened in Chicago as part of a chain specializing in fresh seafood and classic American dishes. The restaurant has a bar area and a large dining room for dinners.

July 4th
From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the bar offers a festive Happy Hour. They serve half-price oysters, wine glasses, and signature cocktails with discounts, plus appetizers for $10. This offer is only available in the bar area, with no reservation required. The full menu is available for ordering both in the dining room and for takeout or delivery. This is a convenient option for those wanting to celebrate in a casual atmosphere with good seafood.

What to Order:

Oysters on the Half Shell — fresh oysters, seafood classic
Stone Crab Claws — stone crab claws, the establishment's signature dish
Prime Steak — premium beef steak

Key Lime Pie — a key lime dessert popular with guests

Summer House is a restaurant with a simple menu that focuses on seasonal vegetables, salads, burgers, and house-made baked goods. The interior is bright, with open shelves where you can see the bread and dessert preparation process. The establishment is suitable for family lunch or light dinner.

July 4th
The restaurant is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Morning and until 3:00 PM they serve festive brunch, after that — dinner. From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM is Martini Hour at the bar with promotional prices on martinis and appetizers. For the holiday, they've prepared desserts with patriotic decoration and seasonal lemonades. Delivery or takeout is available.

What to Order:

Avocado Toast — toast with avocado, egg, and greens
Summer House Burger — burger with cheddar sauce
Lemon Raspberry Pie — lemon and raspberry pie
Seasonal Lemonade — homemade lemonade with seasonal fruits

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/summerhouselp/

Il Porcellino is located right in the middle of River North, and everything about it is straightforward — from the menu to the setting. Just a comfortable room with low lighting, wooden chairs, quiet music, and tables that give you space to sit and actually talk.

The menu sticks to Italian-American classics: beef meatballs that are soft and filling, and fresh pasta. Even the Brussels sprouts with bacon — usually a hard sell — come out crisp and flavorful. You’ll also find a short list of Italian wines and a few cocktails if you’re in the mood.

July 4th

From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the bar offers Happy Hour with discounts: $8 for negronis and wine glasses, $6 for appetizers — fried ravioli, focaccia with mushrooms and pancetta. The full menu is available for dinner and delivery.

What to Order:

Fried Cheese Ravioli — fried cheese ravioli
Mushroom & Pancetta Focaccia Pizza — focaccia pizza with mushrooms and bacon
Trofie with Pesto — pasta with pesto
Tiramisu — classic Italian dessert

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/ilporcellinochi/

If you're looking for a place that feels like it’s been part of Chicago forever, Shaw’s Crab House fits perfectly. It’s built a loyal following since 1984 by delivering consistent seafood and a welcoming vibe. With two adjoining dining spaces—the more relaxed Oyster Bar and a classic main dining room with white tablecloths—you’re covered whether you're grabbing oysters and martinis or celebrating something special.

    They source fresh seafood daily from coast-to-coast.

    They’ve shucked over 10 million oysters and welcomed 8 million guests

July 4th

Oyster Bar operates from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM, main dining room — from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. They offer holiday sets with oysters, seafood cocktails, and special prices on sparkling wine glasses. Table reservation is recommended.

What to Order:

Oyster Sampler — selection of different oysters
Alaskan King Crab Legs — king crab legs
Lobster Roll — lobster roll
Bloody Mary — classic cocktail

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/shawscrabhouse/

You walk in off Erie Street and it feels like stepping into another era—leather booths, jazz humming in the background, old-school supper club air. Wildfire’s been here since 1995, and it sticks to a formula that works: beef, seafood, cocktails, good service.

Seriously, people eat here before concerts, after work, even on budget. The menu reads familiar—steaks, chops, seafood—but they do it well. The restaurant draws crowds because it knows its edge: tender meat and wood-fired seafood.

July 4th

Operating for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. They offer barbecue ribs, turkey burgers, macadamia nut-crusted halibut, coconut shrimp. Large sets and homemade pie are available for takeout.

What to Order:

Barbecued Baby Back Ribs — barbecue ribs
Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut — halibut with nuts
Coconut Shrimp — shrimp in coconut breading
Homemade Pie — homemade pie

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/wildfirechicago/

Chicago Burger Company sits directly on the Riverwalk, part of the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk hotel. This spot offers direct views of the Chicago River, its bridges, and parts of the city skyline. Its location lets guests enjoy the open air of the Riverwalk. It's a solid choice for anyone seeking a convenient, casual option focused on straightforward American food.

Chicago Burger Company's menu focuses on burgers and classic American dishes. You'll find various burger options (beef, turkey, veggie), hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, plus fries and milkshakes. They also have "build-your-own-burger" option so you can customize the meal to your liking.

July 4th

From Thursday to Sunday, a holiday combo is available for $24: burger or Maxwell Street Polish sausage, corn on the cob, potato salad. Drinks at promotional prices: piña colada, John Daly, Goose Island beer. The offer is valid for the entire holiday weekend.

What to Order:

Classic Burger — beef burger
Maxwell Street Polish — sausage with sides
Corn on the Cob — grilled corn
Frozen Piña Colada — cocktail

Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar is located in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood at 2700 W Chicago Ave. This establishment focuses on modern Eastern European cuisine, with caviar as its main feature. There are no panoramic city or river views here; instead, the focus is on quality food and cozy interior.
Heritage's menu emphasizes caviar, served in various ways. Additionally, they offer dishes that combine traditional Eastern European flavors with modern approaches. The menu includes dumplings (pelmeni) with beef heart, house-made sausages, and various appetizers. The wine list and cocktail selection complement the dishes. This is a place for those seeking interesting culinary experiences in Chicago.

July 4th
On July 4th, 2025, Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar will operate on its regular schedule: Friday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. No special events or offers specifically for July 4th have been announced. However, on July 3rd, 2025 (the day before July 4th), the establishment is hosting a "Whole Hog Roast" event from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM for $55 per person. This includes buffet and happy hour. It's important to know that Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar closes on August 30th, 2025, as their lease expires. Therefore, July 4th is one of the last opportunities to visit this place.

What to order:

Caviar selection — served with traditional accompaniments.
Beef heart pelmeni — served with sour cream.
House-made gravlax — salmon cured with dill.
Duck breast — served with seasonal garnish.
Assorted yeasted donuts — sweet dessert.